An Ohio bull rider has tragically died after being thrown from his bull and stomped on during a rodeo event on Saturday.
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Jason Blake Saylor, 35, suffered a traumatic chest injury while competing at Fox Hollow Stables in Waynesville, Ohio.
Officials confirmed that Saylor was wearing protective chest equipment at the time of the accident, but it was not enough to prevent the fatal injury.
Bull Rider Dies After Suffering Fatal Injury at Ohio Rodeo
Medical personnel immediately treated Saylor at the scene. Emergency responders then transported him to Atrium Medical Center, where doctors later pronounced him dead.
Fox Hollow Rodeo confirmed the devastating news in a statement. They expressed condolences to Saylor's family and the wider rodeo community.
"Our hearts are absolutely broken following the tragic loss of one of our bull riders and brothers in Christ, last night at Fox Hollow Rodeo," the statement read.
"There are no words to express the sadness we are feeling. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy."
Organizers also asked the public to "respect the privacy of his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time".
They added that further information surrounding the incident would be shared in the coming days.
Clearcreek Township police are reportedly investigating Saylor's death as an accident.
Rodeo Community Pays Tribute to Jason Blake Saylor
News of Saylor's death has devastated the rodeo community, with hundreds of people sharing heartfelt tributes on social media.
"We lost a real cowboy this week. Blake Saylor wasn't just a bull rider he was what a bull rider is supposed to be," one Facebook user wrote. "Tough as rawhide, brave to the bone, with a grin that said he was born in the chute."
"He died doing what he loved, doing what he was made for, riding at Fox Hollow Arena."
Another attendee, Alanna Greathouse, revealed that she had attended the event for the first time to watch her son compete.
Greathouse explained that her son has "fallen in love with Fox Hollow because of the brotherhood and love that you all show to your riders and staff."
She also praised the organizers' response to the fatal accident, saying the tragedy was "handled with such grace by [the Fox Hollow] staff. I commend you all for that."
The rodeo community continues to mourn Saylor's death as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident.
